Taiwan receives first US-made F-16V fighter jets under $8 billion deal

Taitung, Taiwan, October 2, 2026 — Taiwan received its first two US-made F-16V fighter jets on Friday as the island upgrades its military capabilities amid the threat of a potential Chinese attack.

The aircraft are part of an $8 billion agreement for 66 F-16Vs that was approved during US President Donald Trump’s first term and scheduled for delivery this year.

The arrival comes as Taiwan awaits US approval of a separate $14 billion arms package that Trump has paused following objections from China.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to take control of the island.

The two F-16Vs, manufactured by US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, landed at Taiwan’s air force base in Taitung on the island’s southeastern coast.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te described the arrival as “a major milestone in elevating Taiwan’s air defence capabilities” and thanked the United States for its “long-standing support”.

The jets had been expected to arrive in early September after making refuelling stops in Hawaii and Guam. Local media reported that the aircraft turned back to Hawaii shortly after departing for Guam, although no official explanation was given.

Dozens of local residents gathered near the air base’s perimeter fence on Friday to watch the arrival, with some using binoculars and long-lens cameras.

Kimi Chi, a 37-year-old salesman from Taichung, travelled overnight to photograph the aircraft landing in Taitung. Reflecting on the delays, he said, “good things take time.”

“In terms of hardware capabilities, there will definitely be an improvement,” Chi told AFP. “But what we are actually lacking the most right now is pilots. Of course, I hope the government can provide better additional allowances for these military pilots.”